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Category Archives: Amphibians

Grocer, there’s a frog in my frozen veggies

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It took carbonite to freeze Han Solo. But a small frog? He likely met his demise courtesy of a blast freezer. A Michigan couple claims to have discovered an unwelcome amphibian surprise in a bag of mixed frozen vegetables last week.

Marty Hoffman told the story of finding the frozen frog — her scream brought her husband running from the next room — to the The Lansing State Journal.

In a world where a frozen frog could mean a monetary settlement, it’s nice to hear that Tim Hoffman is just worried about his fellow frozen vegetable lovers.

“I want to make it clear that I’m not after anybody,” Hoffman said. “I don’t want any money. This is not the Lotto. I don’t want to make anybody look bad. I’m just thinking about the next person who comes along and buys a bag of frozen vegetables.”

Meijer, the grocery store brand of mixed vegetable, has issued a voluntary recall and inspected the products from the same lot number in the Grand Ledge, Michigan, store where the bag was sold. Finally, a company that hops on a problem.

If the Hoffmans still need peace of mind, they should consider talking to the Denegris of Florida, who last year claimed to have found a dead mouse in a Diet Pepsi can.

Reptile Awareness Day

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Reptile Awareness Day is October 21st. Every year, reptile fanatics have a day that they can celebrate and share their passion; a chance to educate others who may not know about these amazing creatures called reptiles, and the habitat loss and threat of extinction that faces so many reptile species.

Though we can’t pinpoint exactly when Reptile Awareness Day started, or by whom, we certainly believe that it is an important day, and REPTILES magazine and ReptileChannel.com have taken the lead in promoting and popularizing Reptile Awareness Day. Oddly too, Reptile Awareness Day has a pretty RAD acronym.

At REPTILES magazine and ReptileChannel.com, we think that you can use Reptile Awareness Day for some good, and we have some ideas for you. We’ve given you a few days notice so you can start planning.

1 . Donate to one of the many great reptile conservation or legal programs. Last year was the Year of the Frog, and we encouraged you to donate to the Amphibian Ark.(http://www.amphibianark.org) This year we encourage you to donate to one of the great legal organizations that fights for your rights to keep reptiles – the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK).

2. On top of joining and donating to one of the legal organizations listed above, write letters to your local and national representatives concerning local and national legislation that would affect your reptile rights, and the health and safety of your reptiles.

3. Bring your pet reptile to a school for show and tell. Whether you are a parent, teacher or student, all levels through college can benefit from a quick show and tell, and lesson on your favorite herp. Make sure to check with the school’s administration beforehand!

4. Leave a copy of REPTILES magazine in your doctor’s, dentist’s, or vet’s office. Who knows how many people could be exposed to the wonderful world of reptiles! Give a gift subscription to a friend or family member, or even your local library. Who knows how many children could learn about reptiles from just that one subscription!

5. Go and buy that new reptile you’ve been eyeing. Why wait until the holidays?

6. Surprise the kids with a day off school (and for you work) and spend Reptile Awareness Day at your local zoo. Check out their reptile exhibit and marvel at the wondrous and exotic reptiles they house. Or, spend the day herping. Herping can be a fun and educational experience for the entire family.

7. Make a reptile resolution to go to at least one reptile show before the next Reptile Awareness Day rolls back around.

8. Print out some of ReptileChannel’s Fun & Games to be shared with your class. These are also great for homeschoolers. Bring them in for your teacher, or pass them out to your child’s class.

9. Join a herp club or society. There’s much to learn and share at herp club and society events.

10. Make an appointment to get your reptile a check up at your local reptile vet.

These are just a few things that you can do to make others “aware” of these unique and amazing creatures. Many reptiles are endangered and at risk of going extinct. We need days like this to promote reptiles and make sure that these wonderful animals are around for future generations to enjoy.

Make sure to leave a comment below and tell us what you did for Reptile Awareness Day last year, or what you plan to do this year.

Scientists discover amphibian species thought to be extinct

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The Omaniundu reed frog hadn’t been observed since 1979

Three species of amphibians thought to be extinct for decades have been rediscovered, scientists announced Wednesday.

The three are the cave splayfoot salamander from Mexico, the Mount Nimba reed frog from the Ivory Coast and the Omaniundu reed frog from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The three were found as part of an effort by Conservation International and the Amphibious Specialty Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature to determine if 100 “lost” amphibian species are really extinct.

“These are fantastic finds and could have important implications for people as well as for amphibians,” said Robin Moore, who organized the Search for the Lost Frogs, the official name of the campaign. The creatures could help in medical research or just in protecting water resources, Moore said.

Several specimens of the salamander, of which only a lone individual was identified in 1941, were found in a system of caves accessible only by a pothole in Mexico’s Hidalgo province, Conservation International said.

The Mount Nimba reed frog, found by a local scientist in a swampy field near Ivory Coast’s border with Liberia, hadn’t been seen since 1967.

The Omaniundu reed frog hadn’t been observed since 1979. It was spotted in a flooded forest next to a Congo River tributary.

The first phase of the lost frogs project continues until next month when the Convention on Biological Diversity opens in Japan. Scientists hope they’ll have more successes to announce then, but Moore said it’s a tall task.

“These rediscovered animals are the lucky ones – many other species we have been looking for have probably gone for good,” he said.

Bid to save endangered frogs from fungus shows promise

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Sequoia National Park – The yellow legged frog is a small, non-descript little amphibian that lives in select locations of California’s mountains. The species is in danger of becoming extinct, and California is now considering placing the frog on the endangered species list.

According to an article published in the New York Times, the population of yellow legged frogs in California have decreased dramatically for the last twenty years, at first from human activities. Now a more voracious threat has emerged, a disease called chytridiomycosis, which has decimated existing populations of the frog species. The Vredenburg Amphibian Research Group is trying to change all that, trying to come up with a cure or antidote for the chytridiomycosis. Amphibiaweb explains that chytridiomycosis is “… caused by an aquatic fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd),” and says the disease is relatively new. Chytridiomycosis has caused severe devastation to amphibian species around the world.

“… Bd may be responsible for the greatest disease-caused loss of biodiversity in recorded history. Over just the past 30 years, Bd has caused the catastrophic decline or extinction (in many cases within a single year) of at least 200 species of frogs, even in pristine, remote habitats.”

The disease does not kill every amphibian which becomes infected, but the death rate is very high, and the threat the disease causes to amphibians around the world have caused World Organisation for Animal Health to list the disease on its Wildlife Diseases List. The Vredenburg Amphibian Research Group is headed up by biologist Dr. Vance Vredenburg. Vredenburg told the New York Times that he began studying frogs in the 1990s because he saw the research as applicable to

“… solving some real-world problems, like the biodiversity crisis.” Saying he always liked catching frogs, Vredenburg said when he entered his field that scientists were isolated from the world, “… living and working in a bubble.” Pointing to the devastation caused by chytridiomycosis, Vredenburg said

” … Once your study animals start dying, believe me, you pay attention!”

Characterizing chytridiomycosis as “…the worst case in recorded history of a disease driving vertebrate species to extinction,” The work done by Vredenburg and his team has led to a “… stage structured disease model that may help predict spread of the pathogen in the wild.” The researchers are tracking the disease, and they are also seeking to discover how the disease spreads, a fact that still mystifies scientists around the world. The New York Times reported that Vredenburg is also experimenting with “inoculating” frogs with a bacterium that might help the frogs fight the chytridiomycosis infection. No one is certain how dosing frogs with bacteria helps to fight a fungal infection, but it is thought that colonies of bacteria living on the skin of the frogs helps to block fungal colonies from taking root, according to research on the topic published in 2008. And Vredenburg put the hypothesis to the test, catching and bathing yellow legged frogs in Dusy Basin. The frogs are put into a bath containing the bacteria Janthinobacterium lividum. J. Liv, as it is called for short, is commonly found on the skin of amphibians. After their bacterial baths, the frogs were released back into their environment. After conducting a follow-up in early September, Vredenburg found that all the frogs were infected with chytridiomycosis, but had survived the infection. Said New York Times reporter, Erica Rex,

“… Frogs inoculated earlier in the summer were surviving … all the frogs caught in early September were infected with chytrid. The inoculated animals had the lowest levels of infection.”

According to the Sacramento Zoo, frogs are an important species to humans, mainly because they take the role of “canary in the coal mine.” In other words,

“… the health of frogs is closely linked to the health of the environment. Frogs are extremely sensitive to water pollutants and acid rain. They can be seen as an early warning system of problems that may eventually affect the rest of us. “If chemicals in the water cause mutations and reproductive problems in frogs think what it could be doing to humans, “says Vicky Poole of the National Aquarium in Baltimore.””

Additionally, frogs eat insects, and also are important to medical research. Save the Frogs points out that frogs are also an important animal in the food chain. The San Diego Zoo is attempting to breed yellow legged frogs, which has seen one frog reach maturity. Should the program attain success, the bred-in-captivity frogs would be released to the wilds where the species used to live. Earlier this year, the California Fish and Game Department received a petition urging the Department list all populations of the yellow legged frog as endangered. An analysis conducted by Department employees supported the petition, with a recommendation to list the frogs as endangered. The recomendation was accepted, however, there is a year before the frogs can be listed as endangered, said a news release from the Center for Biological Diversity. The ICUN Red List had identified two populations of California’s yellow legged frogs as endangered in 2008.

Elvis the King Cobra Confirmed to be Living at the Singapore Zoo

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Singapore – Singapore Zoo, the world’s only rainforest-themed zoo, has a new king cobra which has been absorbed into the park’s collection after being rescued by Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s (WRS) wildlife rescue experts. The 4.3 metre long snake, named Elvis, after the King of Rock and Roll, underwent quarantine and health evaluations by the park’s vets, and is now the star of the Singapore Zoo’s Reptile Garden. King cobras are the world’s largest venomous snakes and males average 4 metres in length.

First spotted in a drain along Thomson Road, WRS’ wildlife rescue experts were contacted by NParks officials, who feared that Elvis’ great size may put him in danger from frightened residents. WRS wildlife rescue experts arrived on the scene shortly and brought Elvis back to the wildlife rescue centre for evaluation and review. Because of the animal’s large size, WRS decided to absorb the animal into its collection amid worries that it may encroach on populated areas in the future, and be injured or killed.

“Wild animals such as king cobras are magnificent but they can also be dangerous,” said Biswajit Guha, Director, Zoology, Singapore Zoo. “Even though Singapore is heavily urbanised, we retain a vibrant native biodiversity and it is important that Singaporeans respect wildlife when we come across them outside of their forest homes.”

He added, “Members of the public should not attempt to approach wild animals particularly if they appear to be weak, injured or disorientated. Occasionally wild animals such as the king cobra may enter populated areas and are unable to return to the forest. They will likely be stressed and may react in unpredictable ways. Considering that the venom of a king cobra is extremely potent, people should leave the handling of these beautiful reptiles to experts.”

WRS operates Singapore’s only designated rescued wildlife centres and provides snake handling training upon request to relevant agencies and organisations.

ABOUT KING COBRAS

King cobras are the world’s largest venomous snake, with lengths that reach up to six metres. Male snakes average three to four metres, and female king cobras reach 3 metres. The only member of the genus Ophiophagus, which means snake-eater, the king cobra primarily preys on other snakes, including smaller king cobras. Highly aggressive and poisonous, the king cobra pumps enough venom in a single bite to kill a full-grown elephant or 20 men! A person bitten by a king cobra is likely to die within 30 to 45 minutes, but can be killed in as quickly as 15 minutes. Mortality rates reach 75% when untreated, and 33% when treated, making the king cobra one of the world’s deadliest snakes.

Though extremely dangerous, king cobras have coexisted with humans for a long time. A preferred prey is the rat snake which is often found near paddy fields and villages where rats abound. People who see a king cobra should avoid it and call NParks or WRS to report the reptile. Without proper training, a person who seeks to move the snake may be bitten, resulting in fatality. The king cobra can strike up at targets within 2.5m, making it extremely easy to misjudge safe distances.

King cobras, like other cobras, are easily recognised when it rears up, flattening its neck to form a hood, and exposing its fangs.

ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE RESCUED WILDLIFE CENTRES & WILDLIFE HEALTHCARE RESEARCH CENTRE (WHRC)

All WRS parks are designated rescued wildlife centres by the governing authority. Since 2006, WRS has received an average of between 300 to 400 animals every year through animal rescue, confiscations by Agri-Food Veterinary Authority (AVA) and the police, as well as public donations. All animals received by WRS are quarantined upon arrival to prevent the potential spread of diseases to the rest of the animals in the park. During the quarantine period, animals are cared for and administered by the park’s team of vets and keepers. The team observes the animals for signs of injury and illness, and will provide treatment and medication, if necessary.

The Wildlife Healthcare Research Centre (WHRC) is Singapore’s most sophisticated wildlife healthcare centre, featuring cutting edge medical technologies. Facilities include a digital x-ray machine, an extensive pharmacy of animal medicines, animal wards and treatment rooms, a fully equipped surgery room with top-of-the-line surgical equipment for invasive procedures, and a post-mortem room that can be completely isolated to contain biohazard dangers.

The WHRC and its sister centre, the Avian Hospital which has similar facilities dedicated to the treatment of birds, have always supported the conservation goals of local organisations. In recent years, WRS has provided complimentary medical care to wildlife brought to them by government agencies such as Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), private organisations such as Underwater World, and NGOs such as Animal Concerns and Research and Education Society (ACRES).

ABOUT SINGAPORE ZOO

Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world famous “Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 29% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. In 2009, 1.6 million visitors enjoyed the experiential learning experience at the 28-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.

Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found at www.zoo.com.sg

ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the parent company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo and the upcoming River Safari. WRS parks strive to be world-class leisure attractions, providing excellent exhibits of animals presented in their natural environment for the purpose of conservation, education and recreation.

In the areas of conservation and research, WRS parks have undertaken multiple projects through collaborations with various organizations and institutions on the oriental pied hornbill, pangolin and orang utan. Highly popular with tourists and locals, Jurong Bird Park welcomed 900,000 visitors, the Night Safari, more than 1.1 million, and Singapore Zoo over 1.6 million visitors in 2009.

More information can be found at www.wrs.com.sg

To view Singapore Zoo’s web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-1378-Singapore_Zoo

RSPCA: Warty and sharp-ribbed newts rescued by animal charity

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A Great Crested Newt was found badly injured on a country path in a rural village in Leicestershire on Thursday (October 7).

The species is the least common newt native to the UK and is highly protected.

Two days before (Tuesday October 5), an even more unusual amphibian was found on a path outside an old people’s home in Nottingham. It took consultation with national wildlife experts to identify it as a Pleurodeles Waltl, or sharp-ribbed newt, so-called because it can poke its ribs through its own skin and spike predators with poison.

The species is normally found on the Iberian Peninsula or Morocco and it is thought this animal must be an escaped or abandoned pet.

The Great Crested Newt, otherwise known as the warty newt, was found by a passer-by in Appleby Magna, near Ashby de-la Zouch with an injured tail and possible spine problems. The species is protected by both the Habitat and Species Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

RSPCA officer Neil Astle was called to collect the adult female and take it to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, near Nantwich in Cheshire, where she is now being cared for. It is hoped she will eventually be released back into the wild. He said: “This was a very rare find. “It is the first Great Crested I have come across in the 22 years I have been doing this job.

“Who knows how she came to be where she was. Considering the injuries it could have been dropped there by some kind of predator or perhaps even come from a nearby dried-up well.”

The sharp-ribbed newt is not native to the UK it cannot be released into the wild and has been re-homed with an exotics specialist.

RSPCA inspector Teresa Potter said: “It is very unusual to find this animal in this country even as a pet. I have never come across anyone who’s kept one of these before and we had to ask a lot of people before we could identify it. “It is a lovely little thing and obviously a tough cookie – it must have been through quite a lot to turn up where it did but was in pretty good shape.”

New wildlife ponds created at Chadkirk

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Six ponds have been created at Chadkirk Country Estate and Local Nature Reserve near Romiley in Stockport.

One of the new ponds created at Chadkirk Country Estate and Local Nature Reserve.One of the new ponds created at Chadkirk Country Estate and Local Nature Reserve.

Stockport Council was awarded funding from the ‘Million Ponds Project’ to create clean freshwater ponds to provide a valuable habitat for existing wildlife and attract other wildlife including amphibians, dragonflies, water beetles, and birds.

Surveys undertaken by the South Manchester Amphibian and Reptile Group and Cheshire Active Naturalists reveal that the existing pond on the site supports four species of amphibian – the common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt, so the new ponds should provide excellent habitat for these and other species.

They will also provide opportunities for local people and visitors to learn more about wildlife within the estate.

Council staff worked with the Friends of Chadkirk on the project which was completed last month.

For more information on the ponds phone 0161 430 6512 or contact the staff on site.

The Million Ponds Project will create an extensive network of new ponds across the UK. The aim is to reverse a century of pond loss, ensuring that again the UK has over one million countryside ponds.  Phase 1 of the project from 2008-2012 aims to create the first 5,000 clean water ponds in England and Wales.